The 
he opening of new facilities of the Plum Island 
[Animal Disease Laboratory, Plum Island. N. Y., in 1956 
fitiated an extensive research program in the United 
States on dangerous foreign animal diseases. The lab- 
ratory is operated under special authorization of 
Jongress to develop broader knowledge of how to com- 
bat contagious diseases that might be introduced into 
nis country and threaten the livestock industry. 
Protection against the introduction of foreign dis- 
eases is provided by the Federal inspection and quar- 
antine service at borders and ports of entry. However, 
with increasing use of fast transportation, diseases of 
any country in the world are only a few hours away 
rom our livestock population. It is impossible to 
suarantee that all dangerous foreign animal diseases 
will be kept out indefinitely. The best defense is a 
somplete program of preparedness based on scientific 
esearch in methods of diagnosis, prevention, control, 
“and eradication. 
Major emphasis of the Plum Island Laboratory re- 
search program is on foot-and-mouth disease, con- 
‘sidered one of the most contagious foreign animal 
diseases, and one of the most serious in its effects. 
e last outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in this 
ntry was in 1929, but the disease exists throughout 
st of the other major livestock producing countries 
{the world. Recent outbreaks in Mexico and Canada 
serve as a reminder of the constant threat of this dread 
infection. 
nited States scientists have worked in a number of 
preign laboratories in cooperative research programs 
on foot-and-mouth disease. The program on Plum 
9¢ conducted in the United States. 
Other diseases, similar in outward appearances to 
foot-and-mouth disease, are being studied to the extent 
cessary to improve techniques of differential diag- 
iosis (differentiation between similar diseases in mak- 
ing an accurate diagnosis). Additional foreign dis- 
ses requiring special safety facilities will be included 
in the research program. 
Plum Island 
Animal Disease Laboratory 
Because of the contagious nature of the diseases 
under study, the safety precautions incorporated in the 
Laboratory and the regulations under which the work 
is carried out are the most rigid ever developed among 
research institutions throughout the world. The pur- 
pose of these precautions is | 1) to protect the livestock 
industry from animal diseases not existing in this 
country by preventing the escape of disease-causing 
agents from the laboratory buildings and (2) to pro- 
tect the experimental studies by preventing the spread 
of disease agents under study from one area of the 
research buildings to another, or the accidental intro- 
duction of diseases not under study. 
LOCATION ON PLUM ISLAND 
The location of the Laboratory itself is actually a 
part of the safety precautions. The Congress, in au- 
thorizing the establishment of the Laboratory, specified 
that it be located on a coastal island. separated from 
Virus of foot-and-mouth disease used for research at the 
Plum Island Laboratory was shipped from England. 
The photograph shows the precautions that were taken 
The virus was sealed 
sealed 
to prevent its escape in transit. 
in glass ampules, packed with 
double-can containers, and placed in a larger stainless 
This was placed in a canvas insulated 
cotton in 
steel container. 
bag and locked inside a strong wooden box. 
vVMuPEATY. fh 
